Philip Altman L.C.V., watchmaker & jeweller and dealer in violins and accessories, Cleethorpes c1912.

An original, unposted, real photographic postcard by an unknown photographer. The location is 153 Grimsby Road. The premises are still there.

Philip Altman was born in Grimsby in 1889. His grandparents were from Russian Poland. His parents were Calman Altman (1867-1940), jeweller, and Betsy Altman (c1865-1935, née Cohen) of 218 Freeman Street. They later had two more children, Aaron Cohen Altman (1893-1968) and Sarah Altman (1894).

In 1906, Philip was the highest scoring violin student in the country when he sat a College of Violinists examination. He won six guineas and gained the authority from the College to add A.C.V. (Associate College Violinists) to his name. He later won the authority to add L.C.V. (Licentiate College Violinists) to his name. Following these successes, Philip put advertisements in a local newspaper and offered to give violin lessons to people in the Grimsby area.

Philip Altman married Ada Fineberg in Prestwich, Lancashire in 1913. They had a son, Hyman Harris Altman (1914-1984 Sheffield). The family lived at 60 Blundell Avenue, Cleethorpes, which was around the corner from their shop (as shown above). In 1916, Philip enlisted with the 3rd and 6th Lincolnshire Regiments. He served in France and attained the rank of Lance Corporal. Whilst Philip was away at war, his wife Ada set up the ‘New Clee School of Music’ and offered classes in pianoforte, violin, music theory and elocution. Philip left the army in 1919. (As did his brother Aaron who was with the 7th Lancashire Regiment.) Philip and Ada then lived at 67 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, where Philip established another shop. The shop was still there in 1933 and 1937. Philip was listed as a wireless accessories dealer. Philip and Ada were living at 3 Hainton Avenue, Grimsby in 1939. Philip was again was listed as a watchmaker.

Philip Altman died in 1954, aged 65. Ada died in 1959, aged 71. Altman, jewellers and watchmakers had a business at 257 Freeman Street, Grimsby from 1954 (the time of Philip’s death) to 1968. Aaron Cohen Altman went bankrupt in 1953 but he is listed as a watch repairer at 230/232 Freeman Street in 1958. Aaron died in 1968 and his widow Rebecca “Becky” (born Russia) died in 1978. Aaron and Rebecca had three children and grandchildren.

The Altman family was in business in Grimsby / Cleethorpes for over 78 years!

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum with help from Trevor Ekins and also Tracey Townsend (North East Lincolnshire Archives).